The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the fastest terrestrial mammal on earth and is able to reach speeds of over 110 km/ph. The cheetah is smaller than other big cats, measuring only 1.1 to 1.3 metres long, and has a tail length of 66 to 84 cm. Cheetahs usually weigh between 50 and 63 kg.

Once found throughout Africa and Asia, cheetahs are now confined to parts of eastern and south-western Africa and in (partially) open savannas. Population estimates are somewhere between 2,000 and 15,000. Cheetahs have been hunted for many years for their fur and other trophies. They have also been hunt for the pet trade. For this reason, they are listed under CITES Appendix I and classed as vulnerable by the IUCN.

There are five Cheetah subspecies. About some of these, the Acinonyx Jubatus Rainey and the Acinonyx Jubatus Soemmeringii, little information is known. These types of cheetah live respectively in East Africa and Central Asia.

Another type of Cheetah is the Acinonyx Jubatus Hecki or the Northwest African Cheetah. This subspecies of the Cheetah is primarily seen in West Africa. It's population is estimated from 9,000 to 12,000 and it has the IUCN status endangered.

The fourth subspecies of the Cheetah is the Acinonyx Jubatus Jubatus or the Namibian Cheetah. The population of this animal is estimated on nearly 3000 in 1996.

Last type of Cheetah is the Acinonyx Jubatus Venaticus. This subspecies lives in Iran and is extinct in India. It's population counts 30 to 60 animals and therefor the IUCN status for this animal is critically endangered.